Grading local governments

There's no better place to observe local governments than a newspaper that covers them. Uncle Irvin and the Chester County PRESS have been doing just that for 35 years.

So here are my gradings from best to worst:

1. Penn Township

2. East Marlborough Township (big drop off)

3. Kennett Borough

4. New Garden Township (big drop off)

5. London Grove Township

6. Oxford Borough

7. New London

8. London Britain

9. West Grove Borough

10. Franklin Township

11. Elk Township

12. West Marlborough

Down at the very bottom, too low to grade, are a bunch of the worst-run local governments in southern Chester County. In no particular order: Kennett Township, Upper Oxford Township, Lower Oxford Township, West Nottingham Township, Avondale Borough -- and the pits, East Nottingham Township. There are a couple of reasons that sway the gradings. The first is talent. For example, Curtis Mason from Penn Township, and Cuyler Walker from East Marlborough. However, the most important factor by far is voter/resident apathy. If voters don't care, you can bet the municipality will govern poorly.

How does your municipality perform?

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